Pharmacy Law & Ethics Flashcards

What is a Serious Untoward Incident (SUI) in the context of NHS pharmacy?

Answer: A significant patient safety event requiring formal investigation and reporting

SUIs (now often called Patient Safety Incidents) are unexpected events that have or could cause serious patient harm. They require formal investigation, root cause analysis, and reporting to relevant bodies.

Which body investigates concerns about fitness to practise for registered pharmacists?

Answer: The GPhC Fitness to Practise Committee

The GPhC's Fitness to Practise Committee investigates allegations of impairment through misconduct, poor performance, health issues, or criminal convictions affecting a pharmacist's registration.

Under the Medicines Act 1968, which statement about advertising prescription-only medicines (POMs) to the public is correct?

Answer: Advertising POMs directly to the public is prohibited

UK and EU law (retained) prohibits direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines. Only reminders to consult a healthcare professional are permitted.

Which professional obligation requires a pharmacist to act in their patient's best interest even when it conflicts with commercial pressures?

Answer: Duty of care and patient-centredness (GPhC Standard 1)

GPhC Standard 1 (Provide person-centred care) and the duty of care require pharmacists to prioritise patient wellbeing even when this conflicts with employer or commercial interests.

What is the significance of a Yellow Card report submitted to the MHRA?

Answer: It reports a suspected adverse drug reaction to support pharmacovigilance

The MHRA Yellow Card scheme collects reports of suspected adverse drug reactions from healthcare professionals and patients, enabling ongoing pharmacovigilance and drug safety monitoring.

A pharmacist is asked by police for patient medication records. What is the correct response?

Answer: Disclose only with a court order, patient consent, or under a statutory gateway; refuse informal requests

Patient information is confidential under UK GDPR/DPA 2018. Pharmacists may disclose to police under statutory gateways (e.g., prevention of serious crime), court orders, or with patient consent — but not on informal request alone.